Herbal Principles in Cosmetics ─ Properties and Mechanisms of Action

Interest in the molecular and mechanistic aspects of cosmetic research has grown exponentially during the past decade. Herbal Principles in Cosmetics: Properties and Mechanisms of Action critically examines the botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and molecular aspects of botanical active ingredients used in cosmetics. Along with dermatological and cosmetic uses, the book also explores the toxicological aspects of these natural ingredients, maintaining a balanced view that carefully dissects the hype from the solid science.

Authored by a panel of experts in cell physiology, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, applied botany, ethnobotany, and cosmetic science, the book begins with background in skin anatomy and physiology and also the classification, mechanisms of action, and application of herbal compounds. It provides monographs complete with therapeutic properties, specific action and dermatologic properties, toxicities, pictures, and references. The book also addresses the complexities of green biodiversity, including not only higher plants, but also mushrooms, algae, lichens, and bacteria - each chosen for their importance in traditional use, potential for innovation, or recent introduction to market.

Herbal Principles in Cosmetics: Properties and Mechanisms of Action is one of the few books devoted to the mechanisms of action of herbal compounds based on scientific analysis, making it an exceptionally valuable reference for pharmacologists, natural product chemists, skin physiologists, and dermatologists.

Bruno Burlando, PhD, is a professor of Physiology at the University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy. His research interests concern the modulation of cell signaling in normal and transformed cells by redox mechanisms and bioactive compounds.

Luisella Verotta, PhD, is an adjunct professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Milan and a contract professor of Phytochemistry at the University of Pavia, Italy. Her main research studies are in the realm of bioactive natural products, especially from plant sources, aimed at obtaining lead compounds for the development of new therapeutic agents.

Laura Cornara is a senior researcher of Botany at the University of Genova, Italy, where she holds courses in Plant Biology, Applied Botany, and Ethnobotany. Her research interests are in ethnobotany and phytoremediation.

Elisa Bottini-Massa is an expert in Pharmacy and Cosmetic Science and Technology. She is founder, managing director, and cosmetic designer of Helan Cosmesi di Laboratorio srl, a cosmetic manufacturing enterprise whose mission statement is to produce natural cosmetics in the respect of the environment and living beings.